5/14/2015 – ETC Group

A proposed merger of seed and pesticide conglomerates portends a new level of monopoly over the first link in the global food chain

If allowed, a proposed merger between two global agribusiness giants could further consolidate the power of a handful of companies over the global food system through seeds, according to a report released by ETC Group today. The results of concentrating control over plant varieties in a few “Gene Giants,” the authors say, could have dangerous consequences.

US-based Monsanto and Swiss seed giant Syngenta are currently in negotiations over an attempted merger. Already, six companies control 75% of global seed and pesticide sales and related R&D. In the report, entitled Seedy Characters…